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We are heading towards Mother's Day, which gives us the perfect chance to turn to the first person we ever loved, and utter those three magical words we may have wanted to say, but did not, many times during the year. Thank you, Mom! Even today, as I stand slicing and sautéing onions in my kitchen, I am reminded of my mother. No, she did not make me cry, but her careful handling of every task has left a deep-rooted impression that informs my own approach to cooking, and life itself Her loving words of advice linger in my ears whatever I am doing. “Don’t be in a hurry. Keep the heat on medium, stir often to make sure you don’t burn the edges and make the onions bitter.” Isn’t life something like that? My mother was the one who diligently, patiently, and above all, lovingly introduced me to the world of flavours, spices, and ingredients. Though a reluctant learner as a child, when I grew up and left home seeking out my own path in life, I realised that her tips and teachings went way beyond the kitchen. Through cooking, she taught me invaluable life lessons which I try to apply wherever I can, because I know they came from experience and a heart filled with unconditional love. Patience above all! My mother always maintained that deliciousness is a result of time and patience. Cooking was never a rushed job for her. Just as good things come to those who wait, we were never disappointed by what she put on the table. Her favourite quote was, "Good things take time, just like a good biryani takes time to cook." Imperfection is the mother of innovation My mother's cooking was all about letting things unfold naturally. Yes, she did follow the recipes she had learnt from her mother, but she was by no means a stickler for perfection. She improvised on the go if the kitchen shelves didn’t have a particular ingredient, and the result was always delicious. “We don't need to be perfect to be happy. Life is messy, and that's what makes it beautiful.” With these gems of advice ringing in my ears, I never fret over cooking mishaps, but look at them as happy accidents leading to a completely new dish. Ditto, in life Creativity is the crux The best, and most memorable meals are not necessarily those that come out of a fancy recipe book. Our holiday meals were mostly the result of experimenting with new ingredients, blending different cuisines, and simply getting creative and daring. The presentation plays a big role too, my mother would say, especially when we had guests over. And of course, the warmth with which she served the food left its own lingering taste on our palates. “Real cooking is about following your heart, ” she loved to tell me. The creativity she demonstrated practically in the kitchen has spilled over into many other areas of my life, and taught me to approach problems with a creative mindset. Hard work pays off When we put in the effort, have the patience, and keep up the effort, we can whip up something really amazing, my mother believed. She never took short-cuts in the kitchen, or in any other sphere of life, for that matter. “Cooking is not a job” , she said, “it is a passion that should be carefully nurtured, respected and loved.” In life, too, I apply the same principles, and have never been disappointed by the results. Sharing is caring Clichéd, as it may seem, my mother always cooked for others. She believed food has the power to bring people together, and is a way of expressing love and affection. Whenever I had my mixed bag of friends over for lunch or dinner, she took the extra effort to come up with a multicultural menu that had something for everyone. This small gesture made a big impact and endeared her to my friends in a jiffy From her I learnt to put others first, to share, to spread joy Even to this day when I stand beside her in her neat little kitchen, pestering her to teach me another new recipe, her patience and indulgence reveal little nuances that embellish my life with sensitivity and value Happy Mother's Day! To all the mothers out there. Thank you for the lessons you teach us in every breath you take. Thank you for being the purest version of love there can ever be.

Millets have arrived at last to claim their rightful place and space on the dining table after spending years in obscurity, or stored in some dark, shadowy kitchen cabinets, half-forgotten and barely noticed. Now those dreary, non-descript times are gone forever, thankfully a thing of the past. Today everyone is rooting for millets as a wonder food. Some even talk about it of as a small and mighty super-hero. And it is so true, believe it or not! One reason for their growing popularity, is that millets are a rich source of micronutrients, fibre, proteins and antioxidants. But what are the reasons behind these wonder foods to suddenly pop up out of the blues and flex their muscles? The gradual shift towards health, nutrition and fitness has triggered a tremendous upsurge in awareness about what we eat and how, mainly on account of radical lifestyle changes. When you break it down, millets certainly pack a solid punch. Take a look for yourself: Millets contain 7-12% protein, 2-5% fat, 65-75% carbohydrates and 15-20% dietary fibre. The essential amino acid profile of the millet protein is better than that of various cereals such as maize. But there are many more bonuses along the way, if you care to take a look. Millets are gluten free and non- allergenic. Their consumption decreases triglycerides and C- reactive protein, and therefore prevents cardiovascular disease.  All millets are rich in dietary fibre and unlike staple food grains like wheat and rice, their cultivation is incredibly sustainable. It also benefits our bodies by strengthening our immunity, keeping diseases in check, and aiding weight loss. But for Generation Next and for people on the go, priorities have changed. They want foods that can be made and served quickly, without any fuss and hassles, and yet retain all the delicious, wholesome goodness of a regular, home-cooked food. Remember, like the kind our mums and grandmas could rustle up like magic at any time. Now there is whole new range of wholesome meals that can be cooked and served in next to no time. And Priya has taken the lead with their selection of Quick Foods, a wonderful mix of taste and comfort, without any compromise on health and nutrition. Their selection includes: (1) Quick Pulihora Poha - a delightfully wholesome anytime meal, good for the whole family. A favourite in all South Indian homes. When you’re feeling puckish, just empty the contents in a bowl and add hot water – your meal is ready.  (2).Quick Upma: Experience a simple and hearty snack in a pack, that is downright sumptuous and healthy (3) Quick Poha: A quintessential Maharashtrian treat now in a handy pack, with a tantalizing mix of tangy, spicy, sweet and nutty flavours. (4) Quick Miillet Upma: Tickle your taste buds with a pack of this signature snack. Perfect at any time! (5) Quick Millet Poha: Indulge in the goodness of ragi, bajra and jowar – three superfoods all in one pack, together with crunchy nuts. So in the end it is clear as daylight that Priya Foods is a market leader that aims to give people with a discerning palate the true taste of traditional home-cooked you can relish over and over again, especially with their Quick Foods.